Speakers Are Set for MIA Conference!

The Ladies of MIA are very excited as we are making lots of progress on the Inaugural MIA Conference to be held on November 12 in Des Peres, MO. The conference is free but be sure to register to save yourself a seat.

Below is the tentative timeline for the conference with speakers and topics to be covered. If you have any questions, please email us at MidwestIF at gmail dot com


1:30 p.m. Check-in

2 p.m. Welcome: MIA Founders & MC

2:15 p.m. Elan Simckes, M.D., - Fertility Partnership
Infertility 101 & latest advances in infertility care
Q&A session

3 p.m. Session A
Track 1: If you’re beginning your fertility journey
Becky Kubala, RN – PARINTS Infertility Management LLC
• How to know when it’s time to visit a fertility doctor

Track 2: If you’ve already started/gone through fertility treatments
Dr. Elan Simckes - Fertility Partnership
Margo Lucido, PLPC
• Making it through the physical and emotional demands of multiple procedures/treatments
• Finding the physical and emotional strength to try again after a failed procedure/treatment
• Why formal and informal support groups are vital

3:45 p.m. Break

4 p.m. Session B
Track 1: If you’re beginning your fertility journey
Dr. Diane Sanford, psychologist, author & “Real Mom” expert – Women’s
Healthcare Partnership
• How to talk to friends and family about infertility
• Making it through the holidays while battling infertility

Track 2: If you’ve already started/gone through fertility treatments
Dr. Sarah Keller, RE – Infertility and Reproductive Medicine Center, Washington University in St. Louis
Danielle Pennel, Adoption Support Group Leader – Infertility & Adoption Support, Inc.
• Alternative family building options beyond traditional IVF, including the use of egg/sperm/embryo donors, gestational carriers, or adoption

4:45 p.m. Break

5 p.m. Q&A and Success Story Panel
Patients who’ve gone through IVF, IUI, donor egg/sperm/embryo,
surrogacy, adoption and child-free

5:50 p.m. Closing Remarks with MIA Founders

6 p.m. Close

6:30 p.m. Optional dinner at TBA restaurant for attendees, sponsors and speakers